The Estancia Valley of Torrance County New Mexico is known for it’s Pinto Beans. Now I have never really been a fan of Pinto Beans until I picked up a bag at the local feed and hardware store. Oh my gosh, so much better than what you buy at the grocery store. I don’t know if it’s that they are fresher, but my guess is as with wine grapes, it’s all about the soil and the water. If you can pick up some local beans via a farmer’s market or produce stand, do it. The best way to cook them is in a slow cooker. Sort, soak, slow cook. The only thing I add is water and a bay leaf.
